Young academics return from Space School's 25th outing

All three attend Ballakermeen High School

Three sixth-form students are back home after attending this year’s United Space School in Houston, Texas.

The annual Space School takes place in July each year, organised by the Foundation for International Space Education.

Attendees work with peers from around 20 countries to plan a simulated crewed mission to Mars, supported by NASA astronauts, engineers and scientists.

All A-Level pupils at Ballakermeen High School, Hollie Patterson-Hannay, Patrick Williams and Guy McGuinness were selected to attend the school on a scholarship which this year celebrated its 25th anniversary.

They are awarded by River Advisers - formerly known as ManSat - via an essay competition.

The company has been sponsoring sixth-form students from the Isle of Man to attend Space School since 2000.

Guy, who is studying mathematics, physics and economics at A-level, was appointed to the Yellow Team, which involved working on the legal aspects and international cooperation, Mission Control, and the budget:

Patrick, who is studying maths, chemistry and German at A-level, was assigned to the Green Team which was charged with designing the habitat for living on Mars:

And Hollie, who is studying physics, mathematics, and sociology at A-level, was part of the Red Team which oversaw the construction of the rocket and its transit from Earth to Mars and home again:

At the conclusion of the Space School, Hollie was awarded a particularly prestigious accolade.

In recognition of her 'leadership and excellence' in the Red Team, Hollie was given a Texan flag which has flown at the state's Capitol.

(Hollie's prize - a Texas state flag flown in the US state. The flag comes with a set of rules including; it's not allowed to touch the floor and to dispose of the flag, it must be burnt, not thrown away. Picture credit: Manx Radio)

The scholarships are awarded by River Advisers in cooperation with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

Political Member Sarah Maltby said: “It was wonderful to meet Guy, Hollie and Patrick and hear of their adventures at Space School.

"The scholarships are an incredible opportunity for our young people, and our sincere thanks go to the team at River Advisers – to have reached 25 years is a remarkable achievement.”

Founder of River Advisers, Chris Stott says the students from the Island stand out in the programme every year: 

Meanwhile, the first winner of the opportunity was Dr Jennifer Stone, who says having the space school on your CV looks 'super impressive'.

She now manages River Advisers' scholarship programmes:

You can find more information about the Space School HERE and more on the company’s scholarships HERE.

And you can hear more from all of the students, as well as from Chris and Jennifer, in our latest Newscast, available now: